Drink Driving Offences
Being charged with drink driving can have a significant impact on your livelihood, your family and your reputation. For that reason, it is crucial to speak with an experienced DUI lawyer at an early stage who can help you prepare for court and ensure that your rights are protected.
In Queensland, holders of an open licence are required to keep a breath alcohol concentration of under 0.05%. Holders of probationary, provisional and other special classes of licence (such as truck drivers) are required to keep a breath alcohol concentration of 0.00%. The legislation groups different breath alcohol concentration readings into separate categories and charges, which are generally as follows:
- Driving over the no alcohol limit whilst subject to a special class of licence (such as provisional licence holders and truck drivers);
- Driving over the general alcohol limit but not over the middle alcohol limit (BAC between 0.05% – 0.099%);
- Driving over the middle alcohol limit but not over the high alcohol limit (BAC between 0.10% – 0.149%); and
- Driving under the influence of liquor (BAC of over 0.15%).
Police can require a person to provide a sample of their breath following a random breath test, or otherwise as directed. Any person charged with driving with a breath alcohol concentration over the legal limit will be required to appear in Court before a Magistrate.
Due to the number of accidents on Queensland’s roads each year that involve alcohol, the government has zero tolerance for drink driving and accordingly has enacted mandatory minimum licence disqualification periods for DUI offences, which the courts must impose. In addition to the disqualification of your licence, the Court will also impose a sentence that can be in the form of fines, probation, community service and even imprisonment. For that reason, it is important to take sentence preparation seriously and speak with one of our lawyers as soon as possible.
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For some offences and in some circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a work licence, which will allow you to continue driving during your disqualification period for work purposes only. Contact us to discuss your case and will provide you with advice about your work licence eligibility.
Coates Davey Solicitors will work with you to discuss the charge, the facts surrounding the charge and your personal circumstances, which we understand are all relevant factors to present in Court and are relevant as to what penalty and disqualification period you will receive. Our team will discuss likely penalties and outcomes with you as well, to provide reassurance and clarity as to what to expect and how we can help you get back on the road as soon as possible.
Our team is able to explain the court process and procedure in simple terms, clarify and discuss your options, assist you in how best to prepare for court and advocate on your behalf at your court date to achieve the best possible outcome.
Coates Davey Solicitors offer competitive fixed fee amounts for most DUI law representation, so you will have no surprise bills or hidden charges. We regularly appear in most courts throughout South East Queensland for drink driving matters, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, and Toowoomba.
By offering fixed fee amounts for most traffic law representation, you’ll have no surprise bills or unexpected fees.
Telephone us on 07 3180 0180 today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and your specific needs.